I express my appreciation and thanks to Noel Murphy who is retiring. Child labour must have been permitted when he started back in the day because he could not possibly be 40 years in the Houses. Clearly, he started young. When I first started in the Chair, Noel would often be sitting here to my right. He offered great counsel and was a great source of reliable advice when I was not exactly sure what I was doing or if I was just checking things. Noel was always there to help and I know that has been his role throug…

When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I let the Minister have a few brief concluding remarks. Senator Murphy was the only Senator here at the time and I said I would let him in as well if he wants to make a very brief comment.

I remind Senators that we are not on Second Stage or any Stage. We have concluded but I am going to let people make brief comments in the order they have indicated.

As Chair I have to be entirely impartial but if I was sitting in any of the other seats I would be saying what all the Senators are saying.

I wish everybody a happy Easter. When is it proposed to sit again?

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, back to the House. Before the debate begins, I remind Senators of the need to be cautious in referring to persons outside the House who are not in a position to defend themselves. As Senators will be aware, this House has adopted Standing Orders which seek to strike an appropriate balance between the right of Members to engage freely in debate on matters of public importance and the rights of all persons affected by such debate. Standing Orders 49A, B and C provide for a m…

That is no problem.

I thank the Minister. Our first contributor is Senator Kyne.

The Government speaks before the Opposition.

I know the list. I have taken advice on it.

If Green Party Senators are not here, we move to another Government Senator.

As there is no Green Party Senator present, another Government Senator will take the slot, followed by Senator Boyhan.

The Minister has asked to say a few words before he has to depart but I will need the agreement of the House for him to do so. The alternative is that we do not let him say anything and he just leaves. The Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, will then conclude the debate at the end. I am willing to let the Minister say something now if the House agrees. I will let the Minister say a few words and then he will have to leave. The two contributors who have not made a comment can then come in and the Minister of St…

We will blame the Lower House for all of it. Its votes were the issue.

I thank the Minister. To be fair, he has taken about 15 minutes more than he was supposed to. I am sure the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, will cover for him adequately.

He could have enlightened us all.